Denis Patrick Lucey

Retired Denis passed away peacefully on June 26, 2011 in Visalia, CA with his children by his side. He was born on September 16, 1921 in San Francisco, raised in Oakland and graduated from McClymonds High School. Denis and his recently deceased wife of 54 years, Patricia (McHugh), were long-time residents of Lafayette. Denis spent his last three years at Walnut Park in Visalia, while caring for Patricia. Patricia was the love of his life, whom he met at an Irish picnic, and together they shared their Irish-Catholic heritage and the same birthday. His heart never truly healed after Patricia died in January, and he fiercely hated losing his independence. He was 89 years old. He was a very optimistic, hard-working, stubborn, faithful and humorous product of "The Greatest Generation", and he was loved and gave love to everyone he met, especially those that needed that special attention the most. Denis' strong constitution, devotion, friendship, optimism and ability to enjoy every day of life will be forever remembered by his children: Denis Lucey, Jr., of Santa Rosa and his children Bridget, Patrick and Megan; Jim (Serena) Lucey of Vancouver, WA and their daughters Gabrielle and Natalie; Maureen (Mark) Fisher of Visalia, and their children Connor, Iain and Caitlin; and Patty (Rob) Johnson of Walnut Creek and their children Meredith, Grant and Everett. He was preceded in death by his older siblings: Thomas, Helen (Gault), Mary (Kinsey), and Anne (Feehan). He will be greatly missed by his nieces and nephews. After serving in the US Army during World War II, Denis studied and trained for a career in commercial construction. He began as a project manager and as a result of his diligent work ethic, became a VP/Chief Estimator for Rothschild & Raffin, which was later acquired by Swinerton Inc. He retired in 1983. He was an avid sports enthusiast, and loved his San Francisco Giants dearly. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial Mass to celebrate Denis's life on Tuesday, July 5th at 4 pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 608 N. Church Street, Visalia, CA, followed by a reception at the Visalia Country Club. Separate Rosary, Mass and burial will be held in the Bay Area over the weekend, where he will joyfully be reunited with his loving wife Patricia. The family would like to thank and acknowledge the elders, family members, and caregivers at Delta Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their constant love, dedication and friendship throughout the last five years, and especially Sandi, Claudia, Rosie and Delfina, who cared for Denis and with whom he shared his precious life stories. He considered all of you his family. Memorial donations may be made to The Bethlehem Center, 1638 N. Dinuba Blvd., Visalia, CA 93291.